Arfaz Ayub

Arfaz Ayub
Occupation	Filmmaker

Arfaz Ayub is an Indian filmmaker known for his work in Malayalam cinema. ^[1] He gained recognition in 2024 for his psychological thriller Level Cross , ^{[2] [3]} which has received widespread critical acclaim and appreciation from audiences in India and abroad. ^[4] The film was screened at various film festivals ^{[5] [6]}

Level Cross

Ayub has described Level Cross as a surreal film, where the location itself plays a crucial role as a character. He stated that the film explores the uncertainty of life and brings together two individuals from opposite ends of the social spectrum. While they may appear vastly different on the surface, the narrative delves into the universality of human emotions at a deeper level. The film subtly conveys that the present is shaped by remnants of the past, embedding layers of human emotions, conflicting perspectives, and metaphors within its storyline.

Level Cross was filmed in the Sahara Desert, Tunisia, a location Ayub deliberately chose to create a surreal, imaginary world as required by the script. He has claimed that it is the first Indian film to be shot in Tunisia. Set in a timeless, otherworldly landscape, the film explores themes of beliefs, emotions, and survival through a visually striking and immersive narrative. ^{[7] [8]}

Other works

Attending the 1st Guwahati Asian Film Festival in February 2025, Ayub announced he has been working in a Hindi feature that will portray how a section of Northeastern people move to Kerala and integrate into the workforce, often in the labour sector. ^{[9] [10]}

References

1. "NE's migrant workers issue to be Malayalam filmmaker Arfaz Ayub's next Hindi film topic". The Times of India. February 13, 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved February 13, 2025.
2. Santhosh, Vivek (July 26, 2024). "'Level Cross' is not the so-called experimental film: Director Arfaz Ayub". The New Indian Express. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
3. Anand, Shilpa Nair (July 27, 2024). "'Level Cross' movie review: Amala Paul, Asif Ali's film fails to meet potential despite clever writing and unexpected twists". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved February 13, 2025.
4. Ramachandran, Arjun (July 26, 2024). "Level Cross review: A gripping thriller with an intense plot and unusual treatment". The South First. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
5. "Arfaz Ayub's Directorial Debut Starring Asif Ali Goes On Floors; Deets Inside". News18. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
6. Anand, Shilpa Nair (July 27, 2024). "'Level Cross' movie review: Amala Paul, Asif Ali's film fails to meet potential despite clever writing and unexpected twists". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved February 13, 2025.
7. PIB (November 22, 2024). "'Level Cross' is about crossing of human emotions: Adam Ayub". pib.gov.in.
8. Santhosh, Vivek (July 26, 2024). "'Level Cross' is not the so-called experimental film: Director Arfaz Ayub". The New Indian Express. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
9. Gani, Abdul (February 13, 2025). "Malayalam filmmaker to explore NE's untold migration story in new Hindi film". assamtribune.com. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
10. "NE's migrant workers issue to be Malayalam filmmaker Arfaz Ayub's next Hindi film topic". The Times of India. February 13, 2025. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved February 13, 2025.